Four Healthy Snack Ideas for a Road Trip

Four Healthy Snack Ideas for a Road Trip

Below are four healthy snack ideas that not only taste great, but will travel well on that family road trip. So get ready to get your ingredients together along with your plastic snack bags and mini coolers!

Oatmeal Cookies

The oatmeal found in oatmeal cookies is a rich source of fiber, which is slow-digesting. This means that it stays in your stomach for a long time, helping to keep you feeling fuller, longer. Oatmeal cookies that are made with raisins can be especially good for road trips, as the raisins contain vitamin C and other important nutrients that might otherwise be difficult to come by on a road trip. Make sure to choose oatmeal cookies that are relatively sturdy and can stand up to a long car ride.

Nuts and Dried Fruit

This is a traditional standby that is included on most all road trips--and for good reason. Nuts are a great source of dietary protein, which is essential in promoting the growth and maintenance of muscles. In addition, protein promotes saiety and helps prevent feelings of hunger, meaning there will be cause for fewer pit stops to grab something to eat.

While nuts can be a high source of fat, they contain monunsaturated fat, which is actually a "healthy" fat. Monounsaturated fats are important in preventing heart disease, strokes, and some cancers. Choose nuts that are raw or in their most natural form. You can find them with no added salt or preservatives.

Dried fruit also makes a great addition to any road trip because it doesn't need to be refrigerated. Like oatmeal, dried fruit is a great source of dietary fiber, and helps keep you feeling fuller longer. In addition, dried fruit is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Fruit is naturally sweet, and when dried the flavor is intensified so you shouldn't have to add sugar--look for dried fruit that is sugar free.

Celery and Peanut Butter

Celery, like fruits and oatmeal, is a great source of fiber. In addition to this, celery is a high-fluid food, meaning that it contains high levels of water. This is important to help maintain hydration during long road trips when it may be difficult to stop and grab a drink. For some added flavor, consider putting peanut butter on the celery. Peanut butter contains high amounts of protein, which can prevent hunger in between meals. Peanut butter, like nuts, is a relatively high source of fat--but it is monounsaturated fat, which is actually good for your health. Choose peanut butter that contains as few additives and preservatives as possible in order to ensure the highest quality product.

Hummus and Mini Pitas

Hummus is another good source of protein, and like peanut butter it doesn't have to be refrigerated. Mini pitas contain carbohydrates, which will help keep you energized during long road trips. Choose whole-grain pitas that have very little added salt in order to achieve optimal health benefits.